IT3 Human Computer Interface [HCI] Human Computer Interfaces Factors that should be considered when designing a Computer Interface

IT3 Human Computer Interface [HCI] 1.Consistency of signposting and pop up information 2.On screen help 3.Layout appropriate to task 4.Differentiation between user expertise 5.Clear navigational structure 6.Disabled people using computers REMEMBER THESE SIX POINTS

IT3 Human Computer Interface [HCI] 1. CONSISTENCY of signposting and pop up information Good Interface design should have consistency. This means that buttons are located in the same place, colour schemes are similar, type and style of fonts. The user will be familiar with a consistent setup. The examples show THREE different types of Software but all have consistency in layout. Word Audacity Wordpad

IT3 Human Computer Interface [HCI] 2. On SCREEN HELP Most software packages have ‘Help’ facilities. This enables the user to search for help when required. SIGNPOSTING Good design should include pop-up information to explain to the user what function buttons carry out

IT3 Human Computer Interface [HCI] 3. LAYOUT appropriate to task The layout of the interface would have to be appropriate for the type of task it is supposed to do. A paint or CAD package would have icons and menus appropriate for drawing tasks rather than layout for spreadsheet work. Software to help young children with Maths would have little text and lots of pictures.

IT3 Human Computer Interface [HCI] Design of interface should consider the expertise and needs of the users. Users can range from novices with very limited knowledge of computers to experienced users who use a computer daily to experts who use computers to programme and create new software. 4. Differentiation between USER EXPERTISE

IT3 Human Computer Interface [HCI] Who will be likely to use the interface? Some interfaces are designed for computer experts while others have to consider users with no experience in using computers at all. Some interfaces will use pictures [icons] to aid inexperienced users to use the interface easier. Command line would be more suitable for experienced users such as computer programmers. Graphic User Interface [WIMPS] Command Line 4. Differentiation between USER EXPERTISE

IT3 Human Computer Interface [HCI] 5. Clear NAVIGATIONAL STRUCTURE User interfaces should be clear to the user so that tasks can be carried out easily without any confusion. Some packages have wizards to help with difficult tasks - creating forms or reports in database packages. On websites navigation buttons are located in same position so that user is able to find required button in the same position on every page, this applies to most software packages where ‘File’ ‘Edit’ buttons are located on the interface.

IT3 Human Computer Interface [HCI] People with special needs should have access to computers so that they are not discrimnated. Some users can be disabled or elderly so the design of the interface should consider these factors. Blind people could have help by using a ‘talking computer’ or using Voice Interfaces to input data into the computer. Blind people can use Braille keyboards to type in information. Text can be increased in size to help visually impaired people, 6. Disabled people using computers

IT3 Human Computer Interface [HCI] DISABLED - For example a user with impaired vision can change the size of fonts so that the system is easier to use within a Graphic User Interface BEFORE AFTER